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Rabat – Russian former mixed martial artist Khabib Nurmagomedov today paid a visit to Morocco’s national football team in Doha to offer them support ahead of their third-place game against Croatia.
Following their semi-finals defeats, the Atlas Lions and Croatia are set to lock horns on Saturday at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan Qatar for a chance at claiming third-place.
Nurmagomedov has been offering the Moroccan team his unwavering support and encouragement throughout the ongoing Qatar World Cup.
He posted on Instagram a video from Morocco’s semifinals game against France, featuring the North African country’s national anthem. “Let’s go Moroccan Brothers,” the caption read.
Morocco’s Atlas Lions took to social media to show gratitude to Nurmagomedov for his support. “Thanks for the support Khabib Nurmagomedov,” said Moroccan footballer Achraf Hakimi on Instagram as he posted pictures of himself alongside the martial artist.
In addition, Moroccan player Zakaria Aboukhlal posted a photo featuring him and Nurmagomedov raising their index finger, which is a sign known among Muslims as “Tawhid.” “El Hamdoulillah (Thank God),” read the caption.
Read also: NYT: This World Cup is Just the Beginning for Morocco
Earlier this week, German news channel Welt made shocking and Islamophobic remarks against some of Morocco’s players, including Aboukhlal, for doing the Tawhid sign during Morocco’s game against Portugal.
Welt claimed that the incident “caused backlash” among watchers of the match because the sign is also used by terrorists affiliated with ISIS.
Moroccan fans commended Aboukhlal and Nurmagomedov’s gesture for proudly claiming their Muslim faith.
“A clear and frank message to those with small minds that twist the [meaning of] the index finger that we use to express the oneness of God,” a commenter said.
Ahead of their game against Croatia, Morocco’s national team appear determined to put on a final show and take home the bronze medal.
